Youth charity holds walk around Nottingham to raise mental health awareness
The event took place on Thursday 5 September in order to celebrate International Day of Charity.
Base 51 is a charity in Nottingham for 11-25-year-olds to access support and take part in group activities.
Over 100 participants walked 10 miles around the city on the famous big track route in around three hours.
Verity Woods, Head of Fundraising and events, said: “We thought we would organise this walk to raise awareness for young people’s mental health in the city and give local businesses a chance to boost their own mental health by going out to have a nice walk and exercise in beautiful nature.”
Michael Orozco, trustee of Base 51, said: “I’m looking forward to the walk and meeting our sponsors.
“I enjoy walking and it’s a good opportunity to socialise.
The charity has asked those taking part in the walk for a voluntary £10 donation towards their fundraiser.
This money will go towards their counselling service for young people from low income families with sessions costing £35 each.
Base 51 also provides trauma support programmes and has an LGBTQIA+ group called Outburst.
Verity added: “Basically Base 51 is just a safe place in the city for under 25s that if someone is struggling, they can come to us and we will support them in any way we can.”
International Day of Charity is a day to recognise and support these organisations alongside the workers and volunteers behind them.
Verity said: “I think all charities at the minute are struggling – there are a lot more expectations on them now as the statutory services are being cut.
“Charities are having to take out quite a lot of that mantel of supporting people so it’s pretty important to raise awareness for the fact of the hard work of all the charities across the country to support everyone in society.”
Students are able to get involved in the charity through volunteering and work experience opportunities in areas such as youth work, office roles and wellbeing support.
A female networking event will also be taking place on October 10 and a Taylor Swift quiz at The Playwright.
To keep up to date with upcoming fundraisers, you can follow Base 51 on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
